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Finances in Your 30s:
A Start-to-Finish Guide

From saving for your first home to investing in your future.

When you were in your 20s, it was probably all you could do to keep to a budget and live on a starter
salary. But now that you're in your 30s, you're probably starting to get a leg up on all the
goals you've set for yourself and what that means for your finances. That might mean growing in
your career, moving in with someone, starting a family or gearing up to buy a home.

But no matter how much your income has grown, there are still five basic things you can do with your
money: save, spend, grow, protect and give it away. As you navigate to new life stages, your priorities
are going to shift, so now's a good time to check in on where you are with your finances in these
five categories — and move toward your goals with confidence.

5 ways to make the most
of your money

SAVE YOUR MONEY

Create an Emergency Fund.

Create an Emergency Fund.
First, have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses like car repairs, surprise vet bills and other
costs you can't predict. A good rule of thumb is to have, at the very least, one month of your
take-home pay (or that of the highest earner in your household, if you're part of a couple)
stashed away.

If you already checked that box in your 20s, then it's time to get ambitious: Start working your
way up to having six months saved. Make sure that money is in an account that's easily accessible
and where your cash won't go down in value — a high-yield savings account does the trick.
Remember, you should leave that cash untouched unless an emergency strikes.

Could you cover a$400 emergency expense?

of Americans would have to borrow money, sell something or use
their credit cards to cover a $400 unexpected expense.

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Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. Life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits are issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM). Long-term care insurance is issued by Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (NLTC) a subsidiary of NM. Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, (NMIS) a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services are offered through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank. Products and services referenced are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed entities and financial advisors. Not all products and services are available in all states. Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with the titles "Financial Advisor" or "Wealth Management Advisor" are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide advisory services.